What You'll Learn
- The mechanics of a sharp frappé to build foot strength and speed.
- How to execute a controlled grand battement with proper hip alignment.
- The importance of the demi-pointe position for transitions and stability.
- Maintaining balance in arabesque and lunge positions while working en croix.
- Coordinating breath and focus during high-energy leg movements.
About This Video
Step up to the barre with Broche Ballet for an in-depth, 52-minute beginner class specifically designed to demystify two of ballet’s most dynamic movements: the frappé and the grand battement. While these steps may seem different—one sharp and low, the other high and powerful—they share a foundational reliance on precise footwork and core control. In this session, we break down the mechanics of the strike in a frappé to show how that same energy and toe placement translate into a successful grand battement.
Our practice begins with a standard warm-up, moving through pliés and tendus before diving into more complex combinations. We place a significant emphasis on the fondu, ensuring that the melting quality of the supporting leg provides a stable base for the working leg. You will learn how the demi-pointe position serves as a crucial bridge between the floor and the air, providing the necessary leverage for height and speed.
Throughout the class, we explore exercises en croix, ensuring that your technique remains consistent whether you are working devant, à la seconde, or derrière. We also touch upon maintaining the proper line in an arabesque and the functional use of a lunge to build strength. A key takeaway from this lesson is the management of body alignment; you will learn how to keep the front leg and hip forward in specific positions to maintain balance, ensuring that your hips help lift the legs without sacrificing your posture.
By focusing on the sweep of the toes and the precision of the strike, you will develop the muscle memory needed to execute these movements with both grace and power. Whether you are practicing at home or in a studio, this Broche Ballet class provides the technical cues and repetitive practice necessary to take your beginner ballet skills to the next level.
